Best Preloved Easter Gifts for Kids UK 2026: Better Than Chocolate
Easter 2026 is here. Good Friday falls on 3 April, Easter Sunday on 5 April, and the bank holiday Monday on 6 April. UK schools broke up on 30 March and return on 13 April, giving families a full two-week window for Easter fun.
But here is the question every parent faces: what do you actually put in your child's Easter basket? More importantly, how do you give them something meaningful without breaking the bank or adding to the mountain of plastic that ends up in landfill by May?
This year, more UK parents than ever are choosing Easter gifts for kids in the UK that last beyond the sugar rush. They are choosing toys over chocolate. And they are choosing preloved.
In this guide, we explore the best non-chocolate Easter gifts UK families are buying, why preloved makes perfect sense for Easter, and how to create a memorable holiday without overspending.
Why More UK Parents Are Choosing Toys Over Chocolate This Easter
The shift is real. According to recent consumer research, UK families are increasingly moving away from chocolate-heavy Easter baskets. The reasons are practical and environmental.
Chocolate disappears in minutes. A toy provides weeks or months of play value.
Sugar concerns. Many parents are limiting their children's sugar intake.
Waste reduction. Single-use plastic Easter novelties contribute to landfill waste unnecessarily.
Budget pressures. The cost of living means families want gifts that offer lasting value.
This trend has made 'Easter toys for children UK' one of the fastest-growing search categories in March and April. Parents want alternatives that feel special without the disposable nature of traditional Easter gifts.
What to Put in Your Child's Easter Basket That Actually Lasts
Creating the perfect Easter basket does not require a huge budget. Here are age-appropriate ideas using preloved Easter gifts kids love.
For Babies and Toddlers (0 to 3 Years)
Soft Easter bunnies. A cuddly Jellycat or similar soft toy becomes a treasured companion. Available preloved from £5.
Stacking toys. Colourful rings or blocks encourage fine motor development.
Bath toys. Spring-themed rubber ducks or water squirters make bath time fun.
Board books. Easter-themed or spring animal stories are perfect for little hands.
Sensory balls. Textured balls help develop touch and coordination.
All of these are readily available as Easter gifts under £10 UK on platforms like EcoKartUK.
For Little Kids (3 to 6 Years)
Small LEGO sets. A Duplo or classic LEGO set offers endless creative play. Preloved sets save up to 60 per cent.
Outdoor toys. Bubbles, chalk, skipping ropes, or a soft ball for spring garden play.
Craft kits. Simple painting or sticker sets encourage creativity.
Puzzles. Age-appropriate jigsaws develop problem-solving skills.
Character toys. Preloved PAW Patrol, Peppa Pig, or Bluey figures are hugely popular.
For Big Kids (6 to 10 Years)
Board games. Family classics like Connect 4 or Guess Who create Easter weekend memories.
Sports equipment. A football, frisbee, or tennis set gets them active outdoors.
LEGO Creator sets. More complex builds for focused play.
Action figures. Superheroes, dinosaurs, or movie characters remain firm favourites.
Books. Chapter books or graphic novels suit this age perfectly.
Top Preloved Toy Picks for Easter 2026 from £3
Here are the best Easter basket ideas kids' UK parents are buying right now on EcoKartUK.
Preloved Soft Toys and Easter Bunnies
Nothing says Easter quite like a soft bunny. Brands like Jellycat, Bashful Bunny, and other premium plush toys hold up beautifully in preloved condition. A new Jellycat medium bunny retails at £25 to £30. Preloved versions start from just £8.
Every soft toy on EcoKartUK is washed and sanitised before listing. They arrive clean, fresh, and ready to be loved again.
LEGO Easter Sets: Secondhand Savings
LEGO is built to last generations. Preloved LEGO sets are often complete and in excellent condition. Popular Easter picks include spring-themed Creator sets, Duplo animal farms, and classic building brick bundles.
Buying preloved Easter LEGO sets in the UK saves significant money while offering the exact same play value as new.
Outdoor Easter Toys for Spring Play
With the weather warming up, outdoor toys make brilliant Easter toys for children in the UK. Think skipping ropes, bubbles, garden games, and sports sets. These encourage active play and make the most of the Easter holidays.
How to Have a Sustainable Easter with Kids
A sustainable Easter gifts-children approach does not mean compromising on fun. It means making smarter choices that benefit both your family and the planet.
Choose toys over plastic novelties. A quality preloved toy beats a disposable egg filled with cheap plastic.
Buy preloved where possible. Every preloved purchase keeps a toy out of landfill and supports the circular economy.
Skip excessive packaging. Choose sellers who use minimal, recyclable packaging.
Focus on experiences. Egg hunts, nature walks, and family time create the best Easter memories.
Platforms like EcoKartUK make sustainable Easter gifting easy. Every purchase supports the circular toy economy and saves UK families up to 60 per cent compared to retail prices.
Good Friday and Easter Weekend Activities for UK Families
Beyond gifts, Easter weekend offers wonderful opportunities for family activities. Here are top picks for Good Friday activities for kids in the UK and Easter weekend kids' activities in the UK in 2026.
National Trust egg trails. Many properties run Easter egg hunts across the bank holiday weekend.
Zoo visits. Spring is perfect for seeing baby animals.
Indoor play centres. Soft play, climbing walls, and trampoline parks are ideal if the weather turns.
Canal walks and nature trails. Spot spring flowers, birds, and wildlife.
Community events. Many towns host Easter fairs, markets, and family fun days.
Pairing these activities with thoughtful preloved gifts creates a memorable Easter without overspending.
Shop EcoKartUK Easter Gifts: Free UK Delivery Over £20
This Easter, give your children gifts that spark joy, encourage play, and respect the planet. From soft bunnies to LEGO sets, from outdoor toys to board games, EcoKartUK offers quality-checked preloved toys that make Easter special without the guilt or the cost.
Every item is honestly described, fairly priced, and delivered with care. Many soft toys are washed and sanitised before listing, giving you complete peace of mind.
Make this Easter memorable for all the right reasons. Choose preloved. Choose quality. Choose EcoKartUK.
